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New for 2014: Lexus

Toyota's luxury brand enters the 2014 model year with a host of changes to many of its models, including revised styling for the Lexus CT hybrid and a redesigned IS sedan that now boasts an upgraded suspension, more rear-seat room, added safety features, and an optional 835-watt sound system. The 2014 Lexus GX SUV has also been updated with a freshened appearance, 8-inch touch-screen display, and standard trailer sway control. No changes have been made to the larger, Toyota Land Cruiser-based Lexus LX SUV.

A new Apple-sourced hands-free in-car communications system debuts on the 2014 Lexus ES, GS, LS, and RX. Additional upgrades vary by model, but include LED headlights, rear cross-traffic alert safety technology, new paint colors, and interior trim upgrades.

2014 Lexus CTLexus' dedicated hybrid model, the CT 200h, has been mildly restyled for 2014 and now features updated alloy wheels and available LED headlights. Base and F Sport trim levels are offered for this 5-passenger hatchback, both equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, two electric motors, nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers 134 net horsepower to the front wheels. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 43/40/42 mpg (city/highway/combined).

What's New:

Revised interior and exterior styling

Available LED headlights

Updated alloy wheel designs

2014 Lexus ESLike the CT 200h, the 2014 Lexus ES sedan has been lightly updated for 2014. Changes include the addition of LED fog lights, more widely available bamboo interior trim, and the introduction of Apple's Siri Eyes Free Mode. This technology pairs a user's iPhone with the ES, and subsequently allows them to search through contacts, check and update calendars, get navigation assistance via map apps, and more by using voice commands.

This front-wheel-drive (FWD), 5-passenger sedan is available in ES 350 guise powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, or can be ordered in ES 300h form equipped with a hybrid powertrain.

What's New:

LED fog lights

Broader availability of bamboo interior trim

Enhanced hands-free communication technology

2014 Lexus GSThough not redesigned for 2014, the Lexus GS sedan--available in traditional gas-powered and hybrid versions--has undergone some changes. Primary among them are the addition of Apple's Siri feature, park-assist sensors that are now flushly mounted, revised head-up display, and a blind-spot monitoring system featuring rear cross-traffic alert. The GS's Luxury package has also been reworked to include LED fog lights, 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, and a revised display for the rear armrest.

2014 Lexus GXFor 2014, the Lexus GX 460 SUV has been updated with new styling, standard trailer sway control, a blind-spot monitoring system that now features rear cross-traffic alert, and optional headlight washers. Other changes include the adoption of a new park-assist system, revised alloy wheel designs, and a customizable 8-inch touch-screen display. Three versions of this 7-passenger, 4-wheel-drive (4WD) SUV are available: base, Premium, and Luxury.

What's New:

Revised styling

8-inch touch-screen display

Trailer sway control

Updated trim levels and packages

Optional headlight washers

Blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert

Upgraded interior fabric color and trim combinations

2014 Lexus ISCar shoppers considering the 2014 Lexus IS have the choice of base sedan, high-performance IS F sedan, or the IS C convertible with its power-retractable hardtop. The latter has not been redesigned for 2014, though its top-of-the-line F Sport trim level does offer new interior trim. Likewise, the IS F is essentially a carryover for 2014, except for new LED fog lights, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and updated interior trim.

The more mainstream IS sedan is another story, as it returns as a redesigned model for 2014, highlighted by LED daytime running lights, reworked suspension, a stretched wheelbase that creates more rear-seat room and cargo space, new electric power steering system, and an optional 835-watt sound system. Lexus claims the car's ride and handling characteristics have been improved, and multiple driver-selectable modes are offered, including: eco, normal, sport s, and sport s+. Those are available on RWD IS models; opt for AWD and a separate snow mode gets added into the mix.

As was the case with the outgoing IS, the 2014 model lineup includes the IS 250, IS 350, and IS 350 F Sport.

2014 Lexus LSThe full-size Lexus LS sedan, available with a traditional gas or hybrid powertrain, gets the Apple Siri system for 2014, as well as new interior trim and updated automatic headlights.

Lexus has certainly not taken the one-size-fits-all approach with the 2014 LS. In addition to its powertrains, the 5-passenger sedan can be configured with a regular or long wheelbase, RWD or AWD, and a host of options that add varying levels of luxury, sportiness, and comfort.

What's New:

Enhanced hands-free communication technology

Revised automatic headlight system

Updated interior trim

2014 Lexus LXThe full-size Lexus LX 570 SUV is the only model in the company's lineup that hasn't been updated for 2014.

Capable of accommodating up to 8 occupants, the LX 570 boasts full-time 4WD, a standard 383-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 engine, 7,000-lb. towing capacity, and amenities including a power tilt/slide moonroof, leather upholstery and mahogany wood trim, power-sliding second- and third-row seats, and a smartphone-linked infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and more.

What's New:

No changes for the 2014 model year

2014 Lexus RXAmong the changes marking the arrival of the 2014 Lexus RX are a newly available 115-volt power outlet, Apple's Siri system, and bamboo interior trim for the RX 450h hybrid model. A forward-collision warning system has also been added to the RX's pre-collision safety package.

Buyers have the choice of FWD or AWD and trim levels including RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, and the RX 450h hybrid.